Information processing apparatus, information processing method, and non-transitory computer readable storage medium

ABSTRACT

An information processing apparatus includes plural communication units, a determination unit, and a controller. The plural communication units are configured to be capable of conducting a wireless communication. The determination unit is configured to determine a communication unit from among the plural communication units in accordance with whether a mobile communication terminal that is attempting to conduct a communication is approaching the information processing apparatus. The controller is configured to perform a control so as to start the communication using the communication unit determined by the determination unit.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is based on and claims priority under 35 USC 119 fromJapanese Patent Application No. 2017-063576 filed Mar. 28, 2017.

BACKGROUND Technical Field

The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, aninformation processing method, and a non-transitory computer readablestorage medium.

SUMMARY

An information processing apparatus includes plural communication units,a determination unit, and a controller. The plural communication unitsare configured to be capable of conducting a wireless communication. Thedetermination unit is configured to determine a communication unit fromamong the plural communication units in accordance with whether a mobilecommunication terminal that is attempting to conduct a communication isapproaching the information processing apparatus. The controller isconfigured to perform a control so as to start the communication usingthe communication unit determined by the determination unit.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described indetail based on the following figures, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a view illustrating a conceptual module configuration relatingto an exemplary configuration of an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 2 is an explanatory view illustrating an exemplary systemconfiguration using the exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 3 is an explanatory view illustrating a specific exemplaryconfiguration of the exemplary embodiment;

FIGS. 4A and 4B are explanatory views illustrating examples of channels;

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary process by the exemplaryembodiment;

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary process by the exemplaryembodiment;

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary process by the exemplaryembodiment;

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary process by the exemplaryembodiment;

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary process by the exemplaryembodiment;

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary process by theexemplary embodiment;

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary process by theexemplary embodiment; and

FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary hardwareconfiguration of a computer implementing the exemplary embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

First, prior to describing the present exemplary embodiment, premises ofthe present exemplary embodiment or an information processing apparatususing the present exemplary embodiment will be described. It should benoted that the descriptions are intended to facilitate understandings ofthe present exemplary embodiment.

In the related art, a smart phone or the like is equipped with multipledifferent communication units and selects a communication unit to beconnected based on a specific priority or the like to conduct acommunication.

In the technologies described in Japanese Patent No. 4716144(corresponding to US 2009/0111510 A1), JP-A-11-252662 (corresponding toU.S. Pat. No. 6,393,031), and JP-A-2009-303107, when a communication isconducted (or prior to starting a communication), an optimumcommunication unit is selected and then the communication is conducted.

However, while one of the multiple communication units is selected andthen the communication is conducted, the overall optimization may not beachieved due to later circumferences of the other communication units.For example, assuming that after a communication is started using acommunication unit having a fast communication speed in response to acommunication request from a certain communication device, acommunication request is received from another communication devicewhich is approaching the information processing apparatus. Even in thiscase, a communication unit having a slow communication speed is used. Asa result, it takes time for the user having the “other communicationdevice.” Here, examples of the expression “approaching the informationprocessing apparatus” includes a case where a user wants to perform anoperation with the information processing apparatus. For example, theinformation processing apparatus is a printer, and the user is coming toget a printed matter. If the communication is conducted at a slowcommunication speed even though the user is approaching, the user may beforced to wait.

According to a present exemplary embodiment, the communication unit usedin the communication that has been already being conducted is switchedin this case so that a suitable communication unit for the approachinguser is be selected and a communication is conducted by the selectedcommunication unit.

Hereinafter, an exemplary embodiment suitable for implementing thepresent invention will be described with reference to the accompanyingdrawings.

FIG. 1 is a view illustrating a conceptual module configuration relatingto an exemplary configuration of the present exemplary embodiment.

A module, in general, indicates a logically separable component such assoftware (computer program) or hardware. Accordingly, a module in thepresent exemplary embodiment indicates not only a module in a computerprogram but also a module in a hardware configuration. Thus, thedescriptions of the present exemplary embodiment also includedescriptions of a computer program to serve as a module (a program thatcauses a computer to execute respective processes, a program that causesa computer to serve as respective units, and a program that causes acomputer to implement respective functions), a system, and a method. Forconvenience of descriptions, the expressions “store,” “caused to store,”and equivalent expressions thereto will be used. If an exemplaryembodiment is directed to a computer program, the expressions indicatestoring data or the like in a memory device or performing a control tocause data or the like to be stored in a memory device. In addition, onemodule may correspond to one function. In implementation, however, onemodule may be configured with one program, multiple modules may beconfigured with one program, and in reverse, one module may beconfigured with multiple programs. Further, multiple modules may beexecuted by one computer, or one module may be executed by multiplecomputers in a distributed or parallel environment. In addition, onemodule may include another module. Hereinafter, the term “connection” isalso used for a logical connection (for example, data exchange,instructions, and a reference relationship among data), in addition to aphysical connection. The term “predetermined” refers to being determinedprior to a target process. The term “predetermined” includes the meaningof being determined according to a circumstance/state at or until aspecific time point not only before a process by the present exemplaryembodiment is started, but also prior to a target process even after aprocess by the present exemplary embodiment is started. If multiple“predetermined values” exist, the values may be different from eachother, or two or more of the values (or all values, of course) may beidentical to each other. In addition, the description “when it is A, Bis performed” indicates that “it is determined whether it is A, and ifit is determined that it is A, B is performed,” except for a case whereit is unnecessary to make the determination as to whether it is A. Ifitems are enumerated like “A, B, and C,” the enumeration is merelyexemplary and includes a case of selecting only one (for example, onlyA) of the items, unless otherwise specified.

In addition, a system or device includes a system or device which isimplemented with one computer, hardware component, device or the like,in addition to a system or device configured such that multiplecomputers, hardware components, devices and the like are connected toeach other by a communication unit such as a network (including aone-to-one corresponding communication connection). The terms “device”and “system” are synonymous with each other. Of course, the “system”does not include a system merely meaning a social “structure” (socialsystem) which is an artificial engagement.

In addition, target information is read from a memory device per processby each module or for each of multiple processes which are executed in amodule. After the process is executed, the process result is stored inthe memory device. Accordingly, descriptions of reading from the memorydevice prior to the process and storing in the memory device after theprocess may be omitted. Examples of the memory device may include a harddisk, a random access memory (RAM), an external memory medium, a memorydevice through a communication line, a register within a centralprocessing unit (CPU), and the like.

An information processing apparatus 100 of the present exemplaryembodiment conducts a wireless communication with a communication device180. The information processing apparatus 100 includes a communicationcontrol module 110, a wireless communication A module 135A, and awireless communication B module 135B as illustrated in FIG. 1. Thenumber of the wireless communication modules 135 may be three or more.

A communication device 180A is connected to the wireless communication Amodule 130A of the information processing apparatus 100 via acommunication line. The communication device 180A is capable ofconducting a wireless communication with the wireless communication Amodule 130A by a certain transmission method and channel.

A communication device 180B is connected to the wireless communication Bmodule 130B of the information processing apparatus 100 via acommunication line. The communication device 180B is capable ofconducting a wireless communication with the wireless communication Bmodule 130B by a certain transmission method and channel.

The communication device 180 is, for example, a portable informationcommunication device (including a mobile phone, a smart phone, a mobiledevice, a wearable computer, and the like), a laptop PC or an accesspoint. There may be provided multiple communication devices 180 that arecapable of conducting a wireless communication with the informationprocessing apparatus 100.

Each communication device 180 may conduct a wireless communication bymultiple transmission methods and multiple channels.

The communication device 180 requests the information processingapparatus 100 to provide a service, through the wireless communication.Here, the “service” refers to a function or an operation provided byconducting the communication and is also called a job. For example,examples of the service include a printing process service for making aprinting instruction and an image reading service for receiving an imagereading result, with respect to an image processing apparatus 200including the information processing apparatus 100.

The wireless communication A module 135A is connected to thecommunication control module 110 and also connected to the communicationdevice 180A via the communication line. The wireless communication Amodule 135A is capable of conducting the wireless communication with thecommunication device 180A by the certain transmission method andchannel. For example, the communication speed of the wirelesscommunication A module 135A is different from the communication speed ofthe wireless communication B module 135B. In the following descriptions,for example, it is assumed that the communication speed of the wirelesscommunication A module 135A is faster than the communication speed ofthe wireless communication B module 135B.

The wireless communication B module 135B is connected to thecommunication control module 110 and also connected to the communicationdevice 180B via the communication line. The wireless communication Bmodule 135B is capable of conducting the wireless communication with thecommunication device 180B by the predetermined transmission method andchannel. For example, the communication speed of the wirelesscommunication B module 135B is different from the communication speed ofthe wireless communication A module 135A. In the following descriptions,for example, it is assumed that the communication speed of the wirelesscommunication B module 135B is slower than the communication speed ofthe wireless communication A module 135A.

Each wireless communication module 135 may be capable of conducting awireless communication by multiple transmission methods and multiplechannels. The multiple transmission methods may include, for example,IEEE802.11a, IEEE802.11b, IEEE802.11c, IEEE802.11g, IEEE802.11n,IEEE802.11ac, IEEE802.11j, IEEE802.11ad, and Bluetooth (registeredtrademark).

In addition, at least one of the transmission methods of the wirelesscommunication module 135 may have multiple channels (wirelesscommunication paths). Of course, each of all the transmission methodsmay have multiple channels.

The transmission methods by which the wireless communication module 135is capable of conducting a wireless communication may include at leastthe communication standard of IEEE802.11ad.

The communication control module 110 includes an approach/moving-awaydetection module 115, a switching determination module 120, a switchingmodule 125, and a control module 130. The communication control module110 is connected to the wireless communication A module 135A and thewireless communication B module 135B. The communication control module110 controls the wireless communication between the informationprocessing apparatus 100 and the communication device 180.

The approach/moving-away detection module 115 detects whether thecommunication device 180 that is attempting to conduct a communicationis approaching the information processing apparatus 100.

Here, examples of the “communication device 180 that is attempting toconduct a communication” may include a communication device 180 that isconducting a communication, as well as a communication device 180 thatis making a communication request.

For example, the approach/moving-away detection module 115 may detectwhether the communication device 180 is approaching, based on a changeof the communication intensity in the communication of the wirelesscommunication module 135. Specifically, if the communication intensitybecomes stronger than before, it may be determined that thecommunication device 180 is approaching. If the communication intensitybecomes weaker than before, it may be determined that the communicationdevice 180 is moving away (or is not approaching). In addition, if adistance between the information processing apparatus 100 and thecommunication device 180 is measured by the transmission method of thewireless communication module 135, the distance may be used to detectwhether the communication device 180 is approaching the informationprocessing apparatus 100. In addition, if a request for start of acommunication is received from the communication device 180, it may bedetected whether a moving object having the communication device 180 isapproaching, by using a camera, an ultrasonic wave sensor, an infraredsensor or the like. Specifically, the moving object is a user. Themovement of a user who is in a direction at the time when the requestfor start of a communication is received from the communication device180 may be detected.

If a communication Y is attempted to be started and if a communication Xhas been being conducted, the switching determination module 120determines whether to use the wireless communication module 135 (eitherof the wireless communication A module 135A or the wirelesscommunication B module 135B) that is being used in the communication X,for the communication Y. It is assumed that the communications X and Yare wireless communications having different communication speeds.Specifically, the communications X and Y have different transmissionmethods or channels.

For example, if the wireless communication A module 135A having the fastcommunication speed is being used in the communication X that hasalready been being conducted with the communication device 180A and ifthe communication device 180A is not approaching the informationprocessing apparatus 100 but the communication device 180B that isattempting to start the communication Y is approaching the informationprocessing apparatus 100, the switching determination module 120 mayswitch the wireless communication A module 135A to the wirelesscommunication B module 135B in the communication with the communicationdevice 180A, so as to use the wireless communication A module 135A forthe communication with the communication device 180B.

Furthermore, in addition to determining whether the communication device180 is approaching, the switching determination module 120 may determinewhether to perform the switching of the wireless communication module135 by comparing a priority (including a “priority level”) of a serviceA that is conducting a communication with a priority of a service B thatis attempting to start the communication Y. Here, the expression“switching of the wireless communication module 135” refers to (i)switching the wireless communication A module 135A (the communicationspeed of the wireless communication A module 135A is faster than that ofthe wireless communication B module 135B) that is being used in thecommunication X, to the wireless communication B module 135B (thecommunication speed of the wireless communication B module 135B isslower than that of the wireless communication A module 135A) or (ii)switching the number of channels. As a result, the wirelesscommunication A module 135A is used for the communication Y.

Specifically, if the communication device 180B is approaching theinformation processing apparatus 100 and if the priority of the serviceB that is attempting to start the communication Y is higher than thepriority of the service A that is conducting the communication, theswitching determination module 120 may determine to perform theswitching. In addition, the priority of the printing process service maybe set to be higher than the priority of the image reading service.

In addition, for example, the switching determination module 120 maydetermine whether to perform the switching, by comparing a remainingdata amount or remaining communication time of the service A that isconducting the communication X with a data amount or communication timeof the service B that is attempting to start the communication Y.

The switching module 125 determines the wireless communication module135 in accordance with whether the communication device 180 that isattempting to conduct a communication is approaching the informationprocessing apparatus 100.

Then, the control module 130 performs a control to start a wirelesscommunication using the wireless communication module 135 determined bythe switching module 125.

In addition, if the communication device 180 is approaching theinformation processing apparatus 100, the switching module 125 maydetermine the wireless communication module 135 having the fastestcommunication speed among the wireless communication modules 135.

In addition, if the communication device 180 is approaching theinformation processing apparatus 100 and if the service that isattempting to conduct a communication is a predetermined service, theswitching module 125 may determine the wireless communication module 135having the fastest communication speed among the wireless communicationmodules 135. The “predetermined service” may be the printing processservice.

In addition, if the communication device 180 is moving away from theinformation processing apparatus 100, the switching module 125 may notdetermine the wireless communication module 135 having the highestdirectivity among the wireless communication modules 135. Here, examplesof the “wireless communication module 135 having a high directivity”include a wireless communication module 135 conducting a communicationusing the transmission method of IEEE802.11ad.

In addition, the switching module 125 may determine the wirelesscommunication module 135 by using a time until the communication device180 arrives at the information processing apparatus 100, a communicationdata amount, and a communication speed.

In addition, if the wireless communication module 135 has multiplechannels and if the service that is conducting a communication uses themultiple channels, the switching module 125 may determine the wirelesscommunication module 135 by reducing the number of channels andallocating the reduced channels to the service that is attempting tostart a communication.

In addition, according to the determination made by the switchingdetermination module 120, the switching module 125 may switch a wirelesscommunication module 135 (for example, the wireless communication Amodule 135A having the fast communication speed) which is being used ina communication that has already been being conducted to anotherwireless communication module 135 (for example, the wirelesscommunication B module 135B having the slow communication speed), andallocate the free wireless communication module 135 (for example, thewireless communication A module 135A having the fast communicationspeed) to the communication device 180 that is attempting to newly starta communication so as to conduct the communication.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory view illustrating an exemplary systemconfiguration using the present exemplary embodiment.

The image processing apparatus 200 includes the information processingapparatus 100. The image processing apparatus 200, a communicationdevice 180C of a user 280C, and a communication device 180D of a user280D are connected to each other via communication lines. Especially,the image processing apparatus 200 is machine that is installed in anoffice or the like and used by multiple users. The image processingapparatus 200 may be used through the multiple communication devices 180simultaneously. The image processing apparatus 200 is, for example, acopier, a facsimile, a scanner, a printer, or a multifunctional machine(an image processing apparatus having two or more functions of ascanner, a printer, a copier, a facsimile, and the like).

In the image processing apparatus 200, an optimal wireless communicationmodule 135 is selected from the multiple wireless communication modules135. Even if the selected wireless communication module 135 is beingused in another service (another job), the wireless communication module135 being used in communication is switched so that the communicationmay be conducted by an optimal wireless communication module 135.

Specific examples will be described.

SPECIFIC EXAMPLE (1)

The user 280C is approaching the image processing apparatus 200 in orderto perform a process (printing process service) of transmitting aprinting instruction to the image processing apparatus 200 by operatingthe communication device 180C and getting the printed matter at theimage processing apparatus 200. In this case, communication is conductedby allocating the wireless communication module 135 having the fastestcommunication speed (for example, the wireless communication module 135using the transmission method of IEEE802.11ad) from among the multiplewireless communication modules 135.

SPECIFIC EXAMPLE (2)

The user 280C is attempting to perform a process (image reading service)of transmitting a scanned image to the communication device 180C byperforming a scanning operation for the image processing apparatus 200and storing the image in the communication device 180C. Then, the user280D is approaching the image processing apparatus 200 in order toperform a process (printing process service) of transmitting a printinginstruction to the image processing apparatus 200 by operating thecommunication device 180D and getting the printed matter at the imageprocessing apparatus 200. Meanwhile, the user 280C (the communicationdevice 180C) who has finished the reading of the original document isready to leave the image processing apparatus 200. This is because thereception of the image by the communication device 180C does not requirethe user 280C to stay in front of the image processing apparatus 200. Ifa wireless communication has already been being conducted with thecommunication device 180C by the transmission method of IEEE802.11ad, inorder to conduct a communication with the communication device 180D, thewireless communication with the communication device 180C is switched tothe wireless communication by the transmission method of IEEE208.11nthrough the above-described switching, and a wireless communication isconducted with the communication device 180D by the transmission methodof IEEE802.11ad.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory view illustrating a specific exemplaryconfiguration of the present exemplary embodiment (the image processingapparatus 200). The image processing apparatus 200 includes a system ona chip (SoC) 300, 11b:310a, 11a:310b, 11ac:310c, WiGig:310d, WiGig:310e,11ac:310f, 11n:310g, 11g:310h, Bluetooth 310i, an antenna 320, a systemmemory 342, a hard disk 344, a USB device 346, an application specificintegrated circuit (ASIC) 330, a user interface 332, a scanner 334, anda printer 336.

11b:310a is connected to the antenna 320 and the SoC 300. 11a:310b isconnected to the antenna 320 and the SoC 300. 11ac:310c is connected tothe antenna 320 and the SoC 300. WiGig:310d is connected to the antenna320 and the SoC 300. WiGig:310e is connected to the antenna 320 and theSoC 300. 11ac:310f is connected to the antenna 320 and the SoC 300.11n:310g is connected to the antenna 320 and the SoC 300. 11g:310h isconnected to the antenna 320 and the SoC 300. Bluetooth 310i isconnected to the antenna 320 and the SoC 300. The antenna 320 maybeshared. Further, multiple antennas 320 maybe provided. The combinationof the communication devices (communication chips) 310 and the antenna320 is an example implementing the wireless communication modules 135illustrated in the example of FIG. 1. 11b:310a to 11g:310h comply withthe “IEEE 802.11 standard” which is the international standard of thewireless communication standard and includes “a,” “a/b,” “b/g,”“a/b/g/n,” and the like. Of course, Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) which is aproduct complying with the above-described standard may be used.Especially, IEEE802.11ad which is a wireless communication standard ofthe 60 GHz band may be adopted. That is, WiGig (Wireless Gigabit) whichis a product complying with IEEE802.11ad may be used. As thetransmission method of the wireless communication, transmission methodssuch as Bluetooth 310 i other than the “IEEE802.11 standard” may beused.

The SoC 300 is connected to 11b:310a, 11a:310b, 11ac:310c, WiGig:310d,WiGig:310e, 11ac:310f, 11n:310g, 11g:310h, Bluetooth 310i, the systemmemory 342, the hard disk 344, the USB device 346, and the ASIC 330. TheSoC 300 is an example implementing the communication control module 110.The SoC 300 mainly controls the communication devices (communicationchips) 310, the system memory 342, the hard disk 344, and the USB device346.

The system memory 342 is connected to the SoC 300. The system memory 342is, for example, a memory used for executing programs of thecommunication control module 110.

The hard disk 344 is connected to the SoC 300. In the hard disk 344, forexample, communication contents are stored.

The USB device 346 is connected to the SoC 300. The USB device 346 readsfrom and writes into, for example, an external connection device such asa removable storage medium and an IC card. In addition, anothercommunication device may be connected.

The ASIC 330 is connected to the SoC 300, the user interface 332, thescanner 334, and the printer 336. The ASIC 330 controls the scanner 334,the printer 336, the user interface 332 and the like to implement themain functions of the image processing apparatus 200.

The user interface 332 is connected to the ASIC 330. The user interface332 receives an operation by a user and presents a message or the liketo the user by controlling, for example, a liquid crystal display alsoserving as a touch panel. In addition, the user interface 332 mayreceive the user's operation (including gaze, gesture, voice, and thelike) using a mouse, a keyboard, a camera, a microphone or the like, andmay present a message to the user by voice output from a loudspeaker ortouch sense using a touching device.

The scanner 334 is connected to the ASIC 330. The scanner 334 reads animage of an original document and transmits the image.

The printer 336 is connected to the ASIC 330. The printer 336 performsprinting according to a printing instruction received by thecommunication devices (communication chips) 310 or the user interface332.

FIGS. 4A and 4B are explanatory diagrams illustrating examples ofchannels.

For example, descriptions will be made on channels in the “2.4 GHz band”and the “5 GHz band” of the “IEEE 802.11 standard.”

The wireless standard using the “2.4 GHz band” is easily affected byother devices and is difficult to conduct a stable communication. Forexample, if a microwave oven or another identical wireless LAN deviceexists nearby, the communication often becomes unstable. Meanwhile,compared to the “5 GHz band,” radio waves reach far away and are lessaffected by an obstacle or the like. Further, the “2.4 GHz band” is usedby many devices and highly compatible.

Since the “5 GHz band” is used by a small number of devices, the “5 GHzband” is less affected by a microwave oven and the like and may beexpected to conduct a stable communication. Meanwhile, when a blockingobject exists, the “5 GHz band” is easily affected by the blockingobject, as compared to the “2.4 GHz band,” and may not conduct a stablecommunication as the walls increase.

In the above-described IEEE802.11ad of the 60 GHz band, while thepossible communication distance is as short as about 10 m, a largecapacity and high-speed communication may be conducted. AlthoughIEEE802.11ad of the 60 GHz may not pass over a blocking object due tothe strong straight traveling property, the transmission and receptioncharacteristic may be improved by adopting the directivity control bymultiple antennas. As described above, since merits and demerits existdepending on the transmission methods, it is effective to switch atransmission method even during a communication.

In addition, it maybe effective to switch a channel even during acommunication.

The range of frequencies that may be used in a wireless communication isfixed. A frequency band to be used is divided into “channels” within therange such that multiple communication devices may conductcommunications simultaneously using different channels.

In IEEE802.11b/g/n using the 2.4 GHz band, the frequency band is dividedinto 13 channels of 1 ch to 13 ch each having the channel width of 20MHz.

In IEEE802.11a/n/ac using the 5 GHz band, the frequency band is dividedinto 19 channels of 36 ch to 64 ch and 100 ch to 140 ch each having thechannel width of 20/40 MHz and 80/160 MHz.

In IEEE802.11ad using the 60 GHz band, the frequency band is dividedinto four channels of 1 ch to 4 ch each having the channel width of 9GHz.

As illustrated in the example of FIG. 4A, in IEEE802.11b/g/n using the2.4 GHz band, for example, 1 ch has the center frequency of 2,412 MHzand the band of 2,401 MHz to 2,423 MHz, 2 ch has the center frequency of2,417 MHz and the band of 2,406 MHz to 2,428 MHz, 3 ch has the centerfrequency of 2,422 MHz and the band of 2,411 MHz to 2,433 MHz, 4 ch hasthe center frequency of 2,417 MHz and the band of 2,416 MHz to 2,438MHz, 5 ch has the center frequency of 2,432 MHz and the band of 2,421MHz to 2,443 MHz, 6 ch has the center frequency of 2,437 MHz and theband of 2,426 MHz to 2,448 MHz, 7 ch has the center frequency of 2,442MHz and the band of 2,431 MHz to 2,453 MHz, 8 ch has the centerfrequency of 2,447 MHz and the band of 2,436 MHz to 2,458 MHz, 9 ch hasthe center frequency of 2,452 MHz and the band of 2,441 MHz to 2,463MHz, 10 ch has the center frequency of 2,457 MHz and the band of 2,446MHz to 2,468 MHz, 11 ch has the center frequency of 2,462 MHz and theband of 2,451 MHz to 2,473 MHz, 12 ch has the center frequency of 2,467MHz and the band of 2,456 MHz to 2,478 MHz, 13 ch has the centerfrequency of 2,472 MHz and the band of 2,461 MHz to 2,483 MHz, 14 ch hasthe center frequency of 2,484 MHz and the band of 2,473 MHz to 2,495MHz.

As described above, the frequency band of a channel overlaps with thefrequency band of an adjacent channel. This is called an “overlap.”Specifically, in a case of the “channel width of 20 MHz,” three channelsoverlap with each other in the front and rear portions. In a case of the“channel width of 22 MHz,” four channels overlap with each other in thefront and rear portions. These channels are in the mutually interferingrelationship.

That is, when one unit uses “1 ch” and another unit uses “2 ch” in awireless communication, the channels interfere with each other. As aresult, the communication may become unstable.

In a case where three (or four) channels overlap with each other,shifting the channels by the number of overlapping channels+1 avoidsinterference between the channels. If “1 ch, 5 ch, 9 ch, and 13 ch” areused in the case of the “channel width of 20 MHz,” and “1 ch, 6 ch, 11ch (2 ch, 7 ch, and 12 ch or 3 ch, 8 ch, and 13 ch)” are used in thecase of the “channel width of 22 MHz,” the communication becomes stable.Thus, the channels that may be expected to conduct a stablecommunication (non-overlapping channels) are the four (or three)channels.

As illustrated in the example of FIG. 4B, in IEEE802.11a/n/ac using the5 GHz band, 19 channels are present. The frequency bands of therespective channels are independent and do not interfere with eachother. That is, the interference does not occur even if an adjacentchannel is allocated. Thus, if the 5 GHz band is used, not only theinterference with other devices disappears but also the interferencewith the channels disappears.

In addition, as the switching of a channel, a “channel bonding” function(a high speed mode) may be included. That is, as the switching of achannel, added are switching of a wireless communication which does notuse the channel bonding function to a wireless communication which usesthe channel bonding function, switching of a wireless communicationwhich uses the channel bonding function to a wireless communicationwhich does not use the channel bonding function and switching betweenwireless communications that use the channel bonding function. Thechannel bonding function is a technique of using two channelssimultaneously and bonding the channels to each other so as to increasethe communication speed. For example, the band occupied by one channelis 20 MHz. If the bands of two channels are bonded to each other, acommunication is conducted in the 40 MHz band. It should be noted thatif the channel bonding function is used, the number of availablechannels decreases, and the interference may easily occur. Further, amaster device and an associated device are required to conform to thechannel bonding function.

In addition, as the switching of a transmission method, “multiple input,multiple output (MIMO)” may be included. That is, as the switching of atransmission method, added are changing of a wireless communicationwhich does not use the MIMO to a wireless communication which uses theMIMO, changing of a wireless communication which uses the MIMO to awireless communication which does not use the MIMO, and changing betweenantennas according to the MIMO The MIMO is a technique in which both atransmitter and a receiver use multiple antennas in a wirelesscommunication so as to implement a high speed communication. Inaddition, a master device and an associated device are required toconform to the MIMO.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary process by the presentexemplary embodiment.

Hereinafter, in the descriptions of the flowchart, for example, acommunication A indicating a transmission method is the WiGigcommunication, and a communication B indicating a transmission method isanother Wi-Fi communication.

In step S502, it is determined whether a connection by the communicationA is possible. If it is determined that the connection by thecommunication A is possible, the process proceeds to step S504.Otherwise (for example, when the communication A has already been used),the process proceeds to step S514.

In step S504, a communication is started by the communication A.

In step S506, it is determined whether an instruction to switch thecommunication A to the communication B has been made. If it isdetermined that the instruction has been made, the process proceeds tostep S508. Otherwise, the process proceeds to step S512.

In step S508, the communication A is ended and switched to thecommunication B, and the communication is continued.

In step S510, it is determined whether the communication has been ended.If it is determined that the communication has been ended, the processis ended (step S599). Otherwise, the process stands by until thecommunication is ended.

In step S512, it is determined whether the communication has been ended.If it is determined that the communication has been ended, the processis ended (step S599). Otherwise, the process returns to step S506.

In step S514, it is determined whether a connection by the communicationB is possible. If it is determined that a connection by thecommunication B is possible, the process proceeds to step S516.Otherwise, the process returns to step S502.

In step S516, it is determined whether the communication device 180 thatis making a request for start of a communication is approaching. If itis determined that the communication device 180 is approaching, theprocess proceeds to step S518. Otherwise, the process proceeds to stepS526.

In step S518, an instruction is made to switch the communication A ofthe service that is conducting the communication, to the communicationB. The instruction in step S518 corresponds to the instruction receivedin step S506.

In step S520, it is determined whether a connection by the communicationA is possible. If it is determined that a connection by thecommunication A is possible, the process proceeds to step S522.Otherwise, the process stands by until the connection becomes possible.

In step S522, a communication is started by the communication A.

In step S524, it is determined whether the communication has been ended.If it is determined that the communication has been ended, the processis ended (step S599). Otherwise, the process stands by until thecommunication is ended.

In step S526, a communication is started by the communication B.

In step S528, it is determined whether the communication has been ended.If it is determined that the communication has been ended, the processis ended (step S599). Otherwise, the process stands by until thecommunication is ended.

The image processing apparatus 200 is equipped with the wirelesscommunication A module 135A having the fast communication speed (thecommunication A in the flowchart, for example, WiGig) and the wirelesscommunication B module 135B having the slow communication speed (thecommunication B in the flowchart, for example, Wi-Fi slower than WiGig).

An execution of a service is instructed by the communication device 180.Prior to the execution of the service (for example, from two secondsbefore the execution to immediately before the execution), it isdetected whether the communication device 180 instructing the executionof the service is approaching or is moving away from the imageprocessing apparatus 200 that is to execute the service, by using thedistance between the image processing apparatus 200 and thecommunication device 180. If the communication device 180 isapproaching, the wireless communication module 135 having the fastcommunication speed is selected and the communication is started. Inaddition, if the communication device 180 is approaching, the wirelesscommunication module 135 maybe selected in accordance with whether thetype of the instructed service is a predetermined type of a service, andthen the communication may be started. For example, if the communicationdevice 180 is approaching and if the instructed service is a printingprocess service, the wireless communication module 135 having the fastcommunication speed (for example, WiGig) maybe selected and thecommunication may be started. If the communication device 180 isapproaching and if the instructed service is an image reading processservice, the wireless communication module 135 having the slowcommunication speed (for example, other Wi-Fi) maybe selected and thecommunication may be started. Specifically, if printing of a document isinstructed to the image processing apparatus 200 from the communicationdevice 180, document data to be printed is sent to the image processingapparatus 200 for execution of a print job. If the communication device180 is approaching the image processing apparatus 200, the document datais quickly sent to the image processing apparatus 200 by using thewireless communication module 135 having the fast communication speed(for example, WiGig). With this configuration, the user arriving at theimage processing apparatus 200 obtains the printed document withoutwaiting, or the waiting time is reduced.

It is detected whether the communication device 180 is approaching or ismoving away from the image processing apparatus 200 that is to executethe service. If the communication device 180 is moving away or if thedistance does not change (the communication device 180 is stopping), thewireless communication module 135 may be determined by a determinationmethod of the related art.

In addition, if the image reading process service for sending thedocument image scanned by the image processing apparatus 200 to thecommunication device 180 is instructed, if it is measured whether thecommunication device 180 is leaving the image processing apparatus 200prior to sending the document image to the communication device 180after the scanning is ended, and if the communication device 180 isleaving, it is unnecessary to see the document image that reaches thecommunication device 180 at the place of the image processing apparatus200 (in front of the image processing apparatus 200). Thus, the wirelesscommunication module 135 having the slow communication speed (forexample, other Wi-Fi) may be used to send the document image to thecommunication device 180, and the wireless communication module 135having the fast communication speed (for example, WiGig) may be broughtinto a usable state.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary process by the presentexemplary embodiment.

In step S602, it is determined whether a connection by the communicationA is possible. If it is determined that a connection by thecommunication A is possible, the process proceeds to step S604.Otherwise (for example, when the communication A has already been used),the process proceeds to step S614.

In step S604, a communication is started by the communication A.

In step S606, it is determined whether an instruction to switch thecommunication A to the communication B has been made. If it isdetermined that the instruction has been made, the process proceeds tostep S608. Otherwise, the process proceeds to step S612.

In step S608, the communication A is ended and switched to thecommunication B, and the communication is continued.

In step S610, it is determined whether the communication has been ended.If it is determined that the communication has been ended, the processis ended (step S699). Otherwise, the process stands by until thecommunication is ended.

In step S612, it is determined whether the communication has been ended.If it is determined that the communication has been ended, the processis ended (step S699). Otherwise, the process returns to step S606.

In step S614, it is determined whether a connection by the communicationB is possible. If it is determined that a connection by thecommunication B is possible, the process proceeds to step S616.Otherwise, the process returns to step S602.

In step S616, it is determined whether the communication device 180 thatis making a request for start of a communication is approaching andwhether the priority of the service that is conducting the communicationusing the communication A is low. If it is determined that thecommunication device 180 that is making the request for start of thecommunication is approaching and that the priority of the service thatis conducting the communication using the communication A is low, theprocess proceeds to step S618. Otherwise, the process proceeds to stepS626.

For example, the priority of the printing process service is higher thanthe priority of the image reading process service. Thus, if the servicefrom the communication device 180 that is making the request for startof the communication is the printing process service and if the servicethat is conducting the communication using the communication A is theimage reading process service, the process proceeds to step S618 forperforming the switching process.

In step S618, an instruction is made to switch the communication A ofthe service that is conducting the communication, to the communicationB. The instruction in step S618 corresponds to the instruction receivedin step S606.

In step S620, it is determined whether a connection by the communicationA is possible. If it is determined that a connection by thecommunication A is possible, the process proceeds to step S622.Otherwise, the process stands by until the connection becomes possible.

In step S622, a communication is started by the communication A.

In step S624, it is determined whether the communication has been ended.If it is determined that the communication has been ended, the processis ended (step S699). Otherwise, the process stands by until thecommunication is ended.

In step S626, a communication is started by the communication B.

In step S628, it is determined whether the communication has been ended.If it is determined that the communication has been ended, the processis ended (step S699). Otherwise, the process stands by until thecommunication is ended.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary process by the presentexemplary embodiment.

In step S702, it is determined whether the communication device 180 ismoving away. If it is determined that the communication device 180 ismoving away, the process proceeds to step S728. Otherwise, the processproceeds to step S704. That is, it is detected whether the communicationdevice 180 is approaching or is moving away from the image processingapparatus 200 that is to execute the service. If the communicationdevice 180 is moving away, the process proceeds to step S728 forselecting the wireless communication module 135 having a low directivity(for example, other Wi-Fi), rather than selecting the wirelesscommunication module 135 having the highest directivity (for example,WiGig) among the wireless communication modules 135. The case where thecommunication device 180 is moving away indicates that the communicationdevice 180 is highly likely to be out of a communication range of thewireless communication module 135 having the highest directivity amongthe wireless communication modules 135, rather than indicating that thecommunication device 180 is linearly moving away. Thus, if thecommunication device 180 is moving away, the wireless communicationmodule 135 having the low directivity is selected.

In step S704, it is determined whether a connection by the communicationA is possible. If it is determined that a connection by thecommunication A is possible, the process proceeds to step S706.Otherwise (for example, when the communication A has already been used),the process proceeds to step S716.

In step S706, communication is started using the communication A.

In step S708, it is determined whether an instruction to switch thecommunication A to the communication B has been made. If it isdetermined that the instruction has been made, the process proceeds tostep S710. Otherwise, the process proceeds to step S714.

In step S710, the communication A is ended and switched to thecommunication B, and the communication is continued.

In step S712, it is determined whether the communication has been ended.If it is determined that the communication has been ended, the processis ended (step S799). Otherwise, the process stands by until thecommunication is ended.

In step S714, it is determined whether the communication has been ended.If it is determined that the communication has been ended, the processis ended (step S799). Otherwise, the process returns to step S708.

In step S716, it is determined whether a connection by the communicationB is possible. If it is determined that a connection by thecommunication B is possible, the process proceeds to step S718.Otherwise, the process returns to step S704.

In step S718, it is determined whether to perform the switching. If itis determined to perform the switching, the process proceeds to stepS720. If it is determined not to perform the switching, the processproceeds to step S728. For example, the determination process in stepS516 illustrated in FIG. 5 or the determination process in S616illustrated in FIG. 6 may be performed.

In step S720, an instruction is made to switch the communication A ofthe service being in communication, to the communication B. Theinstruction in step S720 corresponds to the instruction received in stepS708.

In step S722, it is determined whether a connection by the communicationA is possible. If it is determined that a connection by thecommunication A is possible, the process proceeds to step S724.Otherwise, the process stands by until the connection becomes possible.

In step S724, communication is started using the communication A.

In step S726, it is determined whether the communication has been ended.If it is determined that the communication has been ended, the processis ended (step S799). Otherwise, the process stands by until thecommunication is ended.

In step S728, communication is started using the communication B.

In step S730, it is determined whether the communication has been ended.If it is determined that the communication has been ended, the processis ended (step S799). Otherwise, the process stands by until thecommunication is ended.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary process by the presentexemplary embodiment.

In step S802, it is determined (i) whether a relationship of “a timeuntil arrival at the information processing apparatus 100 (calculatedfrom a distance and a speed)<a time for data transfer by thecommunication B (calculated from a data amount and a communication speedof the communication B)” is established and (ii) whether thecommunication A is selectable. If it is determined that the relationshipof “a time until arrival at the information processing apparatus 100<atime for data transfer by the communication B” is established and thatthe communication A is selectable, the process proceeds to step S804.Otherwise, the process proceeds to step S828. Alternatively, if it isdetermined that the relationship of “a time until arrival at theinformation processing apparatus 100 (calculated from a distance and aspeed)<a time for data transfer by the communication B (calculated froma data amount and a communication speed of the communication B)” isestablished, the process may proceed to step S804. Otherwise, theprocess may proceed to step S828.

That is, in the process of step S802, if the user is approaching theimage processing apparatus 200, the time until the user arrives at theimage processing apparatus 200 is calculated. Based on the data amountto be transmitted and the communication speed, the wirelesscommunication module 135 capable of completing the transmission untilthe user arrives at the image processing apparatus 200 is selected. Forexample, if the data amount is small and if even the wirelesscommunication module 135 having the slow communication speed completestransmission of all of the data before the user arrives at the imageprocessing apparatus 200, the wireless communication module 135 havingthe slow communication speed is used. With this configuration, thewireless communication module 135 having the fast communication speed isbrought into the usable state.

Alternatively, rather than the time, the distance between the user (thecommunication device 180) and the image processing apparatus 200 may beused for the determination. If the distance is equal to or larger than apredetermined threshold (for example, the distance of 10 m or more), thewireless communication module 135 having the slow communication speedmay be used. If the distance is less than the threshold, the wirelesscommunication module 135 having the fast communication speed may beused. This determination uses fewer elements than those in calculatingthe time. Unlike the calculation only by software, calculating the timerequires measuring the speed. If the approaching speed is measured by asensor or the like, costs will increase.

In step S804, it is determined whether a connection by the communicationA is possible. If it is determined that a connection by thecommunication A is possible, the process proceeds to step S806.Otherwise (for example, when the communication A has already been used),the process proceeds to step S816.

In step S806, communication is started using the communication A.

In step S808, it is determined whether an instruction to switch thecommunication A to the communication B has been made. If it isdetermined that the instruction has been made, the process proceeds tostep S810. Otherwise, the process proceeds to step S814.

In step S810, the communication A is ended and switched to thecommunication B, and the communication is continued.

In step S812, it is determined whether the communication has been ended.If it is determined that the communication has been ended, the processis ended (step S899). Otherwise, the process stands by until thecommunication is ended.

In step S814, it is determined whether the communication has been ended.If it is determined that the communication has been ended, the processis ended (step S899). Otherwise, the process returns to step S808.

In step S816, it is determined whether a connection by the communicationB is possible. If it is determined that a connection by thecommunication B is possible, the process proceeds to step S818.Otherwise, the process returns to step S804.

In step S818, it is determined whether to perform the switching. If itis determined to perform the switching, the process proceeds to stepS820. If it is determined not to perform the switching, the processproceeds to step S828. For example, the determination process in stepS516 illustrated in FIG. 5 or the determination process in S616illustrated in FIG. 6 may be performed.

In step S820, an instruction is made to switch the communication A ofthe service that is conducting the communication, to the communicationB. The instruction in step S820 corresponds to the instruction receivedin step S808.

In step S822, it is determined whether a connection by the communicationA is possible. If it is determined that a connection by thecommunication A is possible, the process proceeds to step S824.Otherwise, the process stands by until the connection becomes possible.

In step S824, communication is started using the communication A.

In step S826, it is determined whether the communication has been ended.If it is determined that the communication has been ended, the processis ended (step S899). Otherwise, the process stands by until thecommunication is ended.

In step S828, communication is started using the communication B.

In step S830, it is determined whether the communication has been ended.If it is determined that the communication has been ended, the processis ended (step S899). Otherwise, the process stands by until thecommunication is ended.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary process by the presentexemplary embodiment. FIG. 9 illustrates the exemplary process in a casewhere the switching occurs, among the exemplary processes in theflowcharts illustrated in FIGS. 5 to 8. FIG. 9 represents an examplewhere when the communication device 180A and the information processingapparatus 100 have already communicated with each other by using thecommunication A having the fast communication speed (for example, theWiGig communication), a communication request is made from thecommunication device 180B, it is determined that the switching of thecommunication channels is necessary, the communication with thecommunication device 180A is switched to a communication B having theslow communication speed (for example, other Wi-Fi communication), andthe communication with the communication device 180B is conducted byusing the communication A having the fast communication speed.

In step S902A, the information processing apparatus 100 and thecommunication device 180A are communicating with each other using thecommunication A.

In step S902B, the communication device 180A and the informationprocessing apparatus 100 are communicating with each other using thecommunication A.

In step S904, the communication device 180B transmits a communicationrequest to the information processing apparatus 100.

In step S906, the information processing apparatus 100 receives thecommunication request from the communication device 180B.

In step S908, the information processing apparatus 100 determines toperform the switching.

In step S910, the information processing apparatus 100 transmits aninstruction to switch the communication A to the communication B, to thecommunication device 180A.

In step S912, the communication device 180A receives the instruction toswitch the communication A to the communication B, from the informationprocessing apparatus 100.

In step S914, the communication device 180A transmits an instruction todisconnect the communication A, to the information processing apparatus100.

In step S916, the information processing apparatus 100 receives theinstruction to disconnect the communication A, from the communicationdevice 180A.

In step S918, the communication device 180A disconnects thecommunication A.

In step S920, the information processing apparatus 100 disconnects thecommunication A.

In step S922, the communication device 180A transmits an instruction tostart a communication using the communication B, to the informationprocessing apparatus 100.

In step S924, the information processing apparatus 100 receives theinstruction to start a communication using the communication B, from thecommunication device 180A.

In steps S914 and S922, the instructions are transmitted from thecommunication device 180A to the information processing apparatus 100.Alternatively, in reverse, the instructions may be transmitted from theinformation processing apparatus 100 to the communication device 180A.

In step S926, the communication device 180A starts the communication B.

In step S928, the information processing apparatus 100 starts thecommunication B.

In step S930, the information processing apparatus 100 transmits aninstruction to start a communication using the communication A, to thecommunication device 180B.

In step S932, the communication device 180B receives the instruction tostart a communication using the communication A, from the informationprocessing apparatus 100.

In step S934, the communication device 180B starts the communication A.

In step S936, the information processing apparatus 100 starts thecommunication A.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary process by the presentexemplary embodiment.

In the flowchart of FIG. 10, M channels refer to the number of channelsthat may be used by the communication A at the same time (the number ofchannels used by the channel bonding). When the communication A isWiGig, the M channels are, for example, “four channels.” N channelsrefer to the number of channels that is smaller than the M channels. Nchannels are, for example, “two channels.” For example, if all of thefour channels of the wireless communication module 135 (WiGig) havingthe fast communication speed are used, the four channels are reduced totwo channels, and the reduced two channels are allocated to the wirelesscommunication module 135 that is attempting to newly start acommunication, and the communication is conducted.

In step S1002, it is determined whether a connection by thecommunication A is possible. If it is determined that a connection bythe communication A is possible, the process proceeds to step S1004.Otherwise (for example, when the communication A has already been used),the process proceeds to step S1014.

In step S1004, communication is started using the M channels of thecommunication A.

In step S1006, it is determined whether an instruction to release the Nchannels of the communication A has been made. If it is determined thatthe instruction has been made, the process proceeds to step S1008.Otherwise, the process proceeds to step S1012.

In step S1008, the N channels of the communication A are released, andthe communication is continued.

In step S1010, it is determined whether the communication has beenended. If it is determined that the communication has been ended, theprocess is ended (step S1099). Otherwise, the process stands by untilthe communication is ended.

In step S1012, it is determined whether the communication has beenended. If it is determined that the communication has been ended, theprocess is ended (step S1099). Otherwise, the process returns to stepS1006.

In step S1014, it is determined whether to switch the channels. If it isdetermined to switch the channels, the process proceeds to step S1016.If it is determined not to switch the channels, the process proceeds tostep S1024. For example, the determination process in step S516illustrated in FIG. 5 or the determination process in S616 illustratedin FIG. 6 may be performed. For example, when a communication is startedfirst with the image reading process service and when the approachingcommunication device 180 is attempting to start the printing processservice during the communication, it is determined to “switch” in stepS1014. In addition, rather than comparing the priority of the service, adetermination may be made based on a comparison between the remainingdata amount of the service that is conducting the communication and thedata amount of the service that is attempting to start thecommunication. Alternatively, a determination may be made based on acomparison between the remaining communication time of the service thatis conducting the communication and the communication time of theservice that is attempting to start the communication.

In step S1016, an instruction is made to release the N channels of the Mchannels of the communication A that is conducting the communication.The instruction in step S1016 corresponds to the instruction received instep S1006.

In step S1018, it is determined whether a connection by thecommunication A is possible. If it is determined that a connection bythe communication A is possible, the process proceeds to step S1020.Otherwise, the process stands by until the connection becomes possible.

In step S1020, communication is started using the N channels of thecommunication A.

In step S1022, it is determined whether the communication has beenended. If it is determined that the communication has been ended, theprocess is ended (step S1099). Otherwise, the process stands by untilthe communication is ended.

In step S1024, communication is started using the communication B. Inthis example, the communication is conducted with the communication B.Alternatively, the communication stands by until the communication Abecomes free.

In step S1026, it is determined whether the communication has beenended. If it is determined that the communication has been ended, theprocess is ended (step S1099). Otherwise, the process stands by untilthe communication is ended.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary process by the presentexemplary embodiment. FIG. 11 represents an exemplary process in a casewhere the switching of the number of the channels occurs, in theexemplary process of the flowchart illustrated in FIG. 10. FIG. 10represents an example where when the communication device 180A and theinformation processing apparatus 100 have already communicated with eachother by using the M channels of the communication A having the fastcommunication speed (for example, the WiGig communication), acommunication request is made from the communication device 180B, it isdetermined that the switching of the communication channels isnecessary, the communication with the communication device 180A isswitched to a communication by (M-N) channels, and the communicationwith the communication device 180B is conducted by using the N channelsof the communication A.

In step S1102A, the information processing apparatus 100 and thecommunication device 180A are communicating with each other using the Mchannels of the communication A.

In step S1102B, the communication device 180A and the informationprocessing apparatus 100 are communicating with each other using the Mchannels of the communication A.

In step S1104, the communication device 180B transmits a communicationrequest to the information processing apparatus 100.

In step S1106, the information processing apparatus 100 receives thecommunication request from the communication device 180B.

In step S1108, the information processing apparatus 100 determineswhether to switch the channels.

In step S1110, the information processing apparatus 100 transmits aninstruction to release the N channels, to the communication device 180A.

In step S1112, the communication device 180A receives the instruction torelease the N channels, from the information processing apparatus 100.

In step S1114, the communication device 180A transmits an instruction todisconnect the N channels of the communication, to the informationprocessing apparatus 100.

In step S1114, the instruction is transmitted from the communicationdevice 180A to the information processing apparatus 100. Alternatively,in reverse, the instruction may be transmitted from the informationprocessing apparatus 100 to the communication device 180A.

In step S1116, the information processing apparatus 100 receives theinstruction to disconnect the N channels of the communication, from thecommunication device 180A.

In step S1118, the communication device 180A disconnects the N channelsof the communication.

In step S1120, the information processing apparatus 100 disconnects theN channels of the communication.

In step S1122, the information processing apparatus 100 transmits aninstruction to start a communication using the N channels of thecommunication A, to the communication device 180B.

In step S1124, the communication device 180B receives the instruction tostart a communication using the N channels of the communication A, fromthe information processing apparatus 100.

In step S1126, the communication device 180B starts the communicationusing the N channels of the communication A.

In step S1128, the information processing apparatus 100 starts thecommunication using the N channels of the communication A.

An exemplary hardware configuration of the information processingapparatus of the present exemplary embodiment will be described withreference to FIG. 12. The configuration illustrated in FIG. 12 isimplemented with, for example, a personal computer (PC), and representsan exemplary hardware configuration provided with a data reading unit1217 such as a scanner and a data output unit 1218 such as a printer.Further, while the example illustrated in FIG. 3 represents theconfiguration mainly serving as a chip using the ASIC or the like, theexample illustrated in FIG. 12 mainly represents a functionalconfiguration that is implemented with a personal computer or the like.For example, a CPU 1201 takes in charge of the functions of the SoC 300and the ASIC 330.

The CPU 1201 is a controller that performs processes according to acomputer program describing an execution sequence of each of the variousmodules described in the above-described exemplary embodiment, that is,the communication control module 110, the approach/moving-away detectionmodule 115, the switching determination module 120, the switching module125, the control module 130, the wireless communication modules 135, andthe like.

A read only memory (ROM) 1202 stores programs, operation parameters andthe like used by the CPU 1201. A RAM 1203 stores programs used in theexecution by the CPU 1201, parameters appropriately varying in theexecution, and the like. These components are connected to each other bya host bus 1204 configured with a CPU bus or the like.

The host bus 1204 is connected to an external bus 1206 such as aperipheral component interconnect/interface (PCI) bus via a bridge 1205.

A keyboard 1208 and a pointing device 1209 such as a mouse are devicesoperated by an operator. A display 1210 is, for example, a liquidcrystal display device or a cathode ray tube (CRT), and displays varioustypes of information as texts and image information. In addition, atouch screen or the like having the functions of both the pointingdevice 1209 and the display 1210 may be used. In this case, the functionof the keyboard may be implemented by drawing the keyboard usingsoftware (also called a so-called software keyboard, screen keyboard orthe like) on the screen (the touch screen), without the physicalconnection as in the keyboard 1208.

A hard disk drive (HDD) 1211 is equipped with a hard disk (which may bea flash memory or the like) therein, drives the hard disk, and stores orplays programs or information executed by the CPU 1201. In the harddisk, predetermined priorities of services, communication contents, andthe like are stored. Further, in the hard disk, other various data andvarious computer programs are stored.

A drive 1212 reads data or programs stored in a removable storage medium1213 such as a mounted magnetic disk, optical disc, magneto-opticaldisc, or semiconductor memory, and supplies the data or programs to theinterface 1207, the external bus 1206, the bridge 1205, and the RAM 1203connected via the host bus 1204. In addition, the removable storagemedium 1213 may also be used as a data storing area.

A connection port 1214 is a port for connection of an externalconnection device 1215, and includes connection units such as USB andIEEE 1394. The connection port 1214 is connected to the CPU 1201 and thelike via the interface 1207, the external bus 1206, the bridge 1205, thehost bus 1204, and the like. A communication unit 1216 is connected to acommunication line and performs a process of a data communication withan external device. A data reading unit 1217 is, for example, a scannerand performs a document reading process. A data output unit 1218 is, forexample, a printer and performs a document data outputting process.

The hardware configuration of the information processing apparatusillustrated in FIG. 12 represents an exemplary configuration. Thepresent exemplary embodiment is not limited to the configurationillustrated in FIG. 12, and may be any configuration that may executethe modules described in the present exemplary embodiment. For example,some of the modules may be configured with dedicated hardware (forexample, application specific integrated circuit (ASIC)), and some ofthe modules maybe in the form in which the modules are present in anexternal system and are connected via a communication line. Further, themultiple systems illustrated in FIG. 12 may be connected to each othervia a communication line and cooperate with each other. In addition,especially, the multiple systems of FIG. 12 may be incorporated in apersonal computer, a portable information communication device(including a mobile phone, a smart phone, a mobile device, a wearablecomputer, and the like), an information appliance, a robot, a copyingmachine, a facsimile, a scanner, a printer, a multifunctional machine(an image processing apparatus having two or more functions of ascanner, a printer, a copying machine, a facsimile and, the like), andthe like.

In the comparing process described in the above-described exemplaryembodiment, the expressions “equal to or more than,” “equal to or lessthan,” “larger than,” and “smaller than (not exceeding)” may be replacedwith “larger than,” “smaller than (not exceeding),” “equal to or morethan,” and “equal to or less than,” respectively unless the replacementcauses contradiction.

In addition, the communication device 180 may include the informationprocessing apparatus 100. For example, an image processing apparatushaving no information processing apparatus 100 and the communicationdevice 180 having the information processing apparatus 100 maycommunicate with each other. Alternatively, the image processingapparatus 200 having the information processing apparatus 100 and thecommunication device 180 having the information processing apparatus 100may communicate with each other.

The above-described programs may be provided in the form of being storedin a storage medium or provided by a communication unit. In this case,for example, the above-described programs may be construed as aninvention of a “computer readable storage medium storing a program.”

The “computer readable storage medium storing a program” refers to acomputer readable storage medium storing a program, which is used forinstallation, execution, distribution, and the like of a program.

The storage medium includes, for example, a digital versatile disc (DVD)such as “DVD-R, DVD-RW, DVD-RAM or the like” which is the standardformulated in the DVD forum, “DVD+R, DVD+RW or the like” which is thestandard formulated in DVD+RW, a compact disc (CD) such as a CD readonly memory (CD-ROM), a CD recordable (CD-R), or a CD rewritable(CD-RW), a Blu-ray disc (Blu-ray (registered trademark) disc), amagneto-optical (MO) disc, a flexible disk (FD), a magnetic tape, a harddisk, a ROM, an electrically erasable and rewritable read only memory(EEPROM (registered trademark)), a flash memory, a random access memory(RAM), and a secure digital (SD) memory card.

All or some of the above-described programs may be stored in the storagemedium so as to be saved or distributed. Further, the programs may betransmitted using a transmission medium such as a wired network used ina local area network (LAN), a metropolitan area network (MAN), a widearea network (WAN), the Internet, the Intranet, the Extranet, and thelike, a wireless communication network, or a combination thereof, or maybe carried on carrier waves.

In addition, the above-described programs may be all or parts of otherprograms, or may be stored together with separate programs in thestorage medium. In addition, the above-described programs may be dividedand stored in multiple storage media. In addition, the above-describedprograms may be stored in a compressed or encrypted form as long as theprograms may be restored.

The foregoing description of the exemplary embodiments of the presentinvention has been provided for the purposes of illustration anddescription. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit theinvention to the precise forms disclosed. Obviously, many modificationsand variations will be apparent to practitioners skilled in the art. Theembodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain theprinciples of the invention and its practical applications, therebyenabling others skilled in the art to understand the invention forvarious embodiments and with the various modifications as are suited tothe particular use contemplated. It is intended that the scope of theinvention be defined by the following claims and their equivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. An information processing apparatus comprising: aplurality of communication modules configured to conduct a wirelesscommunication; a processor programmed to function as: a determinationunit configured to select a communication module from among theplurality of communication modules in accordance with whether a mobilecommunication terminal including a service that is attempting to conducta communication is approaching the information processing apparatus, anddetermine whether to perform switching of the selected communicationmodule when another service of another communication terminal is alreadyconducting a communication using the selected communication module andthe mobile communication terminal is approaching the informationprocessing apparatus; and a controller configured to perform a controlso as to start the communication using the selected communicationmodule.
 2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1,wherein if the mobile communication terminal is approaching theinformation processing apparatus, the determination unit selects thecommunication module having the fastest communication speed among theplurality of communication modules.
 3. The information processingapparatus according to claim 2, wherein if the mobile communicationterminal is approaching the information processing apparatus and if theservice that is attempting to conduct a communication is a predeterminedservice, the determination unit selects the communication module havingthe fastest communication speed among the plurality of communicationmodules.
 4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 3,wherein the predetermined service is a printing process service.
 5. Theinformation processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein if themobile communication terminal is moving away from the informationprocessing apparatus, the determination unit does not select thecommunication module having the highest directivity among the pluralityof communication modules.
 6. The information processing apparatusaccording to claim 2, wherein the determination unit selects thecommunication module by using a time until the mobile communicationterminal arrives at the information processing apparatus, acommunication data amount, and a communication speed.
 7. The informationprocessing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the communicationmodule includes a plurality of channels, and if the another service isalready conducting a communication using the plurality of channels, thedetermination unit determines to perform switching of the communicationmodule by reducing the number of channels that the another service canuse and allocating the reduced channels to the service that isattempting to start a communication.
 8. An information processing methodcomprising: selecting a communication module from among a plurality ofcommunication modules configured to be capable of conducting a wirelesscommunication, in accordance with whether a mobile communicationterminal including a service that is attempting to conduct acommunication is approaching an information processing apparatus;determining whether to perform switching of the selected communicationmodule when another service of another communication terminal is alreadyconducting a communication using the selected communication module andthe mobile communication terminal is approaching the informationprocessing apparatus; and performing a control so as to start thecommunication using the selected communication unit.
 9. A non-transitorycomputer readable storage medium storing a program that causesinformation processing to be performed by a processor, the informationprocessing comprising: selecting a communication module from among aplurality of communication modules configured to be capable ofconducting a wireless communication, in accordance with whether a mobilecommunication terminal including a service that is attempting to conducta communication is approaching an information processing apparatus;determining whether to perform switching of the selected communicationmodule when another service of another communication terminal is alreadyconducting a communication using the selected communication module andthe mobile communication terminal is approaching the informationprocessing apparatus; and performing a control so as to start thecommunication using the determined communication unit.
 10. Theinformation processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein if theanother service is already conducting a communication using the selectedcommunication module, the determination unit determines to performswitching of the communication module by switching the another serviceto conduct communication using a different communication module of theplurality of communication modules.
 11. The information processingapparatus according to claim 7, wherein the processor is furtherprogrammed to function as a switching module configured to perform theswitching determined by the determination unit by: instructing theanother communication terminal to release the reduced channels;receiving an instruction from the another communication terminal todisconnect the reduced channels; disconnecting the reduced channels inresponse to the received instruction from the another communicationterminal; and instructing the communication terminal to startcommunication using the reduced channels of the selected communicationmodule.
 12. The information processing apparatus according to claim 10,wherein the processor is further programmed to function as a switchingmodule configured to perform the switching determined by thedetermination unit by: instructing the another communication terminal toswitch to the different communication module; receiving an instructionfrom the another communication terminal to disconnect from the selectedcommunication module; disconnecting the another communication terminalfrom the selected communication module in response to the receivedinstruction from the another communication terminal; receiving aninstruction from the another communication terminal to connect to thedifferent communication module; connecting the another communicationterminal from the different communication module in response to thereceived instruction from the another communication terminal; andinstructing the communication terminal to start communication using theselected communication module.